The heartbeat of Enugu State echoed again last Thursday as Governor Peter Mbah unveiled the reborn Hotel Presidential. The 62-year-old landmark, once a pride of the Eastern Region, had stood abandoned for 15 years.
“This unveiling is more than opening the doors of a hotel; it is the reopening of Enugu’s confidence,” Mbah declared.
Built under Dr. Michael Okpara’s leadership, the hotel was a symbol of elegance and enterprise. But time and neglect dimmed its glory.
“For about 15 years, this glorious edifice stood as an affront to our pride,” Mbah said. “We came into office with a strong pledge: to recover what belongs to our people.”
A New Era for Enugu’s Economy and Tourism
The hotel’s revival is part of Mbah’s plan to grow Enugu’s economy sevenfold to $30 billion and achieve 0% poverty.
“This hotel is a strategic enabler of our growth plan,” he said. “When we say Enugu is open for business, we mean business.”
Amber Hospitality, the concessionaire, now manages the hotel. They bring experience from 12 successful hospitality brands.
The hotel joins a growing list of assets: the 5,000-seat International Conference Centre, a 345-room ICC Hotel under construction, and Enugu Air.
“None of this is whimsical,” Mbah said. “They are connecting dots on a large canvas.”
The goal is to attract three million tourists yearly and make Enugu the Conferencing Capital of Africa.
Jobs, Culture, and a Signal to Investors
The hotel now supports hundreds of jobs—chefs, engineers, event planners, and suppliers. It also boosts transport, art, and local cuisine.
“Every conference day books our taxis and CNG buses,” Mbah said. “Every visiting family discovers our art, our music, our cuisine, and our warmth.”
He added: “When government shows it can recover assets and protect investments, private capital follows.”
Other moribund assets like UPPL, Nigergas, and Sunrise Flour Mill are also being revived.
Commissioner Dame Ugochi Madueke said: “The silence has been broken; the lights are on—never to dim again.”
Dr. Sunday Onyebuchi praised Mbah’s speed: “Your mantra says tomorrow is here, but you have resurrected yesterday today.”
HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu added: “Your leadership is legendary. There is no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027.”
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